The implications of early simulation of emergent electronics systems are discussed. The effect of simulation on training programs and system usage in the field are illustrated by a recent experiment involving a new military communications system. Potential savings in money and time are identified, as well as increased system effectiveness as a result of early system evaluation. Early simulation is shown to significantly contribute to: (1) more cost effective training; (2) identification of problem areas within the system; (3) a realistic appraisal of system performance; (4) possible improvement of overall system effectiveness; and (5) savings in time throughout the systems life cycle.

The purpose of some aspects of training is, unfortunately, too often seen as a remedial effort to teach someone how to use a piece of equipment or a system which should not have been fielded in the first place (at least in its present form). No matter how cost effective the training process becomes, it cannot produce skilled personnel if the systems they are to work with are too complicated for anybody to ever use them effectively. As General John J. Hennessey said in Signal Magazine (March 77 issue) "Too often we discover that the success of the tactical system is the result of the extraordinary effort of our dedicated men and women overcoming, rather than being aided by, their equipment." It's a case of "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem" and in order to get maximum benefit from the problem of equipment, the ideal situation would be to have a minimum amount of complex things to teach.